18 Sep 2025 | by Dr. Doherty
How to Know if I’m a Good Candidate for Plastic Surgery?
In our current era of information overload, it can be confusing for potential patients to navigate the world of aesthetic surgery. There are so many choices. A frequently asked question that I see online is: “How do I know if I’m a good candidate for plastic surgery?”
The simple answer is—you really don’t. It is the job of a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, such as myself, to determine whether or not a specific procedure will work for your unique anatomy, needs, and desired outcome.
It’s incredibly common for a new patient to come in asking for one procedure when that is not actually the best way to achieve their desired result. This is why all of us at Boston Center for Plastic Surgery (BCFPS) are such advocates of scheduling an in-person consultation. It is the best way to ensure that you are getting the exact right treatment plan—one that will work while also suiting your lifestyle, including your budget.
Here are some factors to keep in mind when considering a surgical procedure specifically:
Tolerance for Downtime
A surgical procedure can deliver an incredibly powerful result. However, it will involve an incision. This is the trade-off. And any incision, no matter how small, requires downtime for recovery. Figuring out how much time you’ll need depends on the procedure(s) and your body’s individual healing ability.
No two people heal at the same rate. During your initial consultation, I will ask in-depth questions to get a better understanding of your body’s baseline for healing. I will inquire into your:
- Medical history
- Family history
- Any prior procedures
- Existing scars
- Lifestyle such as diet, exercise, and whether or not you smoke
I also pride myself on being extremely up-front about what you can honestly expect in terms of downtime. If you’re someone who cannot take time off from work, or doesn’t have the patience to rest and recover, then we may need to explore a less invasive treatment plan. It may not deliver the same results, but if you can’t give your body time to heal, surgery is not the right path.
Can You Afford a Surgical Procedure?
Another important factor in determining if you’re a good candidate for plastic surgery is budget. Most patients assume that surgery always costs more than non-surgical options. That’s not necessarily true. Non-surgical treatments often require multiple sessions, while a surgical procedure can be one-and-done.
However, cosmetic procedures are generally out-of-pocket expenses. I take cost seriously and will be direct with you about the full cost of your treatment plan. There are financing options available, but I do not recommend going into serious debt for aesthetic surgery. It’s important to have an honest conversation with yourself about what you can comfortably afford.
Patience—Surgical Results Take Time
Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, ask yourself: Do I have the patience for surgery?
One of the benefits of surgery is that you may notice changes to your body contour almost immediately. However, swelling and bruising are common and can last for weeks. I usually advise body contouring patients that about 80% of their results will be visible at 3 months post-op, but it can take 6 or more months for swelling to fully resolve—and up to a year for scars to fade completely.
We can take steps to speed up scar healing, such as topical scar treatments, but your final results take time. Having realistic expectations is essential.
To learn more about any surgical or non-surgical procedure with Dr. Sean Doherty at the Boston Center for Plastic Surgery, contact us today or call (617) 450-0070 to schedule a consultation.
